Where to find free or low-cost mental health care in Brazil?
Short answer
There are free routes in Brazil: the public health system (SUS) provides care through UBS clinics and CAPS centres, universities run training clinics at reduced or no cost, and CVV answers free at 188, 24 hours a day, in a crisis.
If it is now, and there is risk to life
CVV answers free at 188, 24 hours a day, every day, and by chat at cvv.org.br. For emergencies, SAMU is 192.
No directory — this one included — is an emergency service.
Through the public system
The usual entry point is the UBS — the basic health unit for your neighbourhood — which assesses and refers. For more intense psychological distress the specific service is CAPS, and in many municipalities you can go directly, without a referral.
Bring ID and your SUS card if you have one. Not having the card does not prevent care.
Training clinics and low-cost options
Psychology courses run training clinics open to the public, with care provided by students under the supervision of a registered professional. There is usually a waiting list, and the fee is reduced or zero.
Many psychologists in private practice also keep reduced-fee slots. Asking is a normal conversation — including with anyone you find in this directory.
Frequently asked questions
- Is care from a trainee worse?
- It is supervised care, with a registered professional responsible for it. Many people do long, serious work in training clinics.
- Does IAURA offer free care?
- No. IAURA is a directory: it publishes profiles and takes you to the professional’s direct contact, and they set their own fee. This page exists because the honest answer to that question lies outside the site.